Tanya McGill has created a place of true healing for mind, body and soul in Blessings Holistic Spa in Wisconsin Rapids.
THE BEGINNING
This special place, which is so much more than just a business, opened in August 2021, and it has been growing, changing and enhancing lives ever since. Tanya works with a talented team to bring holistic services to the community through Blessings Holistic Spa. Nathanial Porter, Marcia Ferry, Crystal McKinney and Donna Jicinsky each bring their own talents to this dedicated team. “One of the things I have learned as an entrepreneur is I can’t do everything myself. I needed to learn to ask for help,” Tanya said.
Another thing she learned was to trust herself. “When I was first getting started, people asked me what I would do if I failed, but I moved forward anyway, manifesting my outcome, listening to myself,” she said. Therapeutic services include something for everybody from hydromassage, lymphatic drainage massage, cupping and reflexology therapy to craniosacral therapy, reiki sessions, oxygen bar treatments and more. One of the most unique offerings is a Zen Room which houses a zero-gravity massage chair and a halotherapy sauna that combines heat of an infrared sauna with Himalayan salt therapy.
THE JOURNEY
Tanya’s journey to entrepreneurship is more of a calling than a business decision. Fifteen years ago, she was hit as a pedestrian by a car. Both of her feet were 90% severed from her body and doctors told her she would never walk again, but Tanya was determined and took her first steps fewer than 12 weeks later, despite having no ligaments in her knees.
She has experienced so much healing herself, and now she loves to bring true healing to others. “Helping people heal and making a difference in their lives is the thing I enjoy most about my job,” Tanya said.
Accomplishments with UW- Stevens Point SBDC
- Marketing plan
- Resources
- Business plan
- Financial projections
THE CHALLENGES
The newest addition to the spa is the biosound therapy bed that is made by a single manufacturer. This bed was part of the original business plan, but the equipment is expensive and the learning curve to operate the bed is steep, so Tanya delayed inclusion of the biosound therapy services until March of 2023.
“The biggest challenge so far has been marketing,” Tanya said. “Simply getting the word out that we are here and explaining what we offer is sometimes tough.” She developed a Facebook page and a website for promotion as has also designed flyers to share at local vendor events. She found other marketing assistance through the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at UW-Stevens Point.
“Mark Speirs at the SBDC helped with my business plan, financial projections and marketing plan. He gave me confidence and direction. He was very, very helpful in teaching me to find other paths and resources to get to the right result,” Tanya said.
THE FUTURE
The future looks so inspired for this wellness space. Tanya and her team hope to bring enhanced addiction therapy services, including prevention and recovery, to Blessings Holistic Spa. “When people can let go of attachment, that spiritual healing begins to happen as well,” Tanya shared. “Everything begins with gut health. When I began paying attention to my own gut health, I was simply led to quit drinking and have been sober for nine years.”
The team would love to grow the space into a retreat center, offering yoga and physical fitness space as well as hosting addiction recovery meetings. In 2024, Tanya’s three-, five- and ten-year plan will reach some big milestones: three years ago the spa opened, five years ago the business plan was written and ten years ago she became sober. “I can’t promise I am going to heal the world,” Tanya said, “but I can promise I am going to die trying.”
Read the related experience blog for this SBDC client.
